Phoenix Overdrive Review: Inside by Antonio Guillen

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Phoenix Overdrive

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144

Published on July 6, 2016 10:54:00 PM ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xn4efXSxZOM

Game:

LIMBO (2010)

Category:

Review

Duration: 3:30

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3

Inside
Review by Antonio Guillen
@Blublud02

Inside is a marvel.

The long awaited title from 'indie' developer Playdead has been on gamers' collective radar ever since the release of their breakout masterpiece Limbo which first debuted on Xbox Live Arcade way back in the summer of 2010.

My greatest advice for you if you haven't played Inside is that at this moment you stop reading, purchase and boot it up. This review will be vague and spolier-free in an attempt to preserve the greatest highlight of the game which is it's sense of mystery, dread and wonder you experience as the adventure unfolds.

Still here? Ok.

Categorizing this game as a puzzle/platformer is fair, but limiting.

As in Limbo, Playdead invites you to a fantastical world, slowly pealing back the curtain on some extremely dark, unexpected and confusing areas. Again we are invited to take in the atmosphere, learn about the rules that govern this universe and advance.

After thinking a lot about what connects Limbo and Inside, the common themes and mechanics, I realize that what makes it such a great puzzle game is two-fold.

First, each obstacle is challenging but fair (though overall this a breeze compared to Limbo). Second, almost every hurdle requires that you combine your existing knowledge of the real world with the knowledge you have acquired on your journey in-game.

There is a wonderful sense of accomplishment with every trial and error fueled victory- your reward? Another mind-bending puzzle and environment driven gameplay mechanic (a few are jaw dropping.)

To put it plainly the game is addicting. Never knowing what is behind the next barrier/puzzle kept be picking away though my one-sitting 3.5 hour play through. I found myself anxious to reach 'the end' of the game. Stumped for a few minutes at a few puzzles, gaining the dopamine treat of breaking through to the next vista and on once again, striving to discover more.

Again, without spoiling too much, on the platform/adventure side you are in for a memorable experience. The things that are done here with physics, sound, light and a 'minimalist' style and color palate is a grand achievement.


A word of warning that the short game is actually littered with secrets, some related to its ending. If you’re a completionist, then you may want to look at a walkthrough, but again you risk spoiling things for yourself. A word of warning again, if you don’t like fetch quests, you may want to do something about that before you start the game.

In the end, I felt like the best themes of the game are touched upon too infrequently. You walk away not really knowing what the game is trying to say (in relation Limbo seems like a straightforward tale if you can imagine.) The story teases you with the promise of a grand revelation, an 'ah-ha!' moment, but for better or for worse it never comes.

Finish the game and this will all make sense (or not.) It's safe to say that the game introduces the familiar and the nightmarish in a mad rabbit-hole fashion from start to finish. If that is your cup of tea, that is the basis for my strong recommendation.
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Come with an open mind and a fresh palate and leave having experienced a very unique, haunting and enjoyable game. You will never forget Inside. Playdead saw to that without a doubt.

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